Beer brewed to celebrate 150th anniversary of Northampton museum

A limited edition beer to mark the 150th anniversary of Northampton Museum and Art Gallery is being brewed at Phipps brewery today.

Councillors and museum staff will be joining brewers to create a traditional beer that will reflect the characteristics of Star Bitter which would have been drunk by factory workers when the museum was founded in 1865.

Councillor Brandon Eldred, Northampton Borough Council cabinet member for community engagement, said: “Brewing has played an important part in the history of Northampton.

“It is still a significant industry today; Carlsberg is a major player and Phipps re-established here in 2014, 40 years after it closed.

“It is great to see the resurgence of traditional real ale brewing in the town and I am looking forward to toasting the museum’s birthday with this very special ale.”

Phipps had been successfully brewing traditional dark beers and porters in Northampton for nearly 50 years before it started brewing pale beers that were very popular with shoe factory workers.

Star Bitter was a particular favourite and the anniversary beer, called ‘150th IPA’ is being brewed to as closely as possible reflect its distinctive flavour and style.

150th IPA will be ready in time for the opening of an exhibition at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery on October 3 called Whose Round Is It?, which chronicles the history of brewing in Northampton.

The limited edition beer will be available to buy in the museum shop as well as selected retailers and pubs in Northampton from October 3.

Roy Crutchley, Phipps NBC director and brewer, said: “This has been an exciting opportunity not only to brew a new beer reflecting the tastes of Northampton drinkers 150 years ago, but also to brew with a group of people who have never brewed before.

“We hope soon to offer this brewing opportunity to the wider public with special brew your own days.”